Tips to Ensure You Get All the Benefits of Having Energy-Efficient Windows

Most people realise that the primary benefits of energy-efficient windows are that they work to lower energy bills, increase thermal efficiency or comfort in the home, improve sound insulation, and block ultraviolet light. But when you are investing in energy-efficient home improvement projects like double or triple-pane windows, how do you make sure they are as effective as they can be?

Here we will explore some of the practical things to consider when installing energy-efficient windows, so you can guarantee that you are saving money on bills, promoting better heat gain, blocking sound, and making sure your windows reduce UV rays as much as possible.

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Choose a FENSA-Certified Installer

All of the benefits of energy-efficient windows come from the tight seals around the glass and the frame itself. So, the first step to making sure your new windows outperform your old single pane windows is selecting a FENSA-certified installer. FENSA is an acronym for the ‘Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme’, and guarantees high standards and the best practices in your project.

With training and industry updates, FENSA guarantees the best tools and latest techniques are used for a more effective, higher-performance installation, which is much more likely to give you the benefits energy-efficient windows can offer. Windows do not offer benefits by themselves! Top installers will also have other accreditations, such as TrustMark and SafeContractor approval.

Select Products with the Most Suitable Gas Between the Panes

As the gaps between double and triple-glazed windows are filled with gas, they are much more effective than if they just contained air. This is because the density of the gas is higher than air, so the heat transfer is greatly reduced. However, if you are in a particularly cold environment then you may get superior benefits of energy-efficient windows – depending on the gas option.

Most double-glazed windows make use of argon gas, which is perfectly fine. However, if you want ultra-high performance then gases such as krypton are beneficial for their higher density and lower levels of heat conductivity. For the ultimate in heat transfer performance, which is good for both heating and cooling, xenon gas offers the best results and energy savings.

Replace All of the Windows at the Same Time

If you want to maximise the benefits that energy-efficient windows can offer you, then there is no point in having different windows in different rooms of the house. Not only should all windows have double glazing if you are upgrading from single pane windows, but they should all have the same energy rating too.

Consistency is key to getting the right balance of energy savings, which means you cannot have a single pane window in the same building as a double-glazed one and expect to get the same benefits. However, an exception can be made for any kind of internal glazing, such as for interior windows or other glass features. Any outbuildings can also make use of separate systems.

Insulate Your Walls

Correctly-installed energy-efficient windows are only one part of the equation; you need to make sure that other parts of the property are not leaking air, either. For example, walls are a key area where air gaps can reduce the benefits of energy-efficient windows. Simply insulating the walls will ensure this does not happen and the windows perform as effectively as possible.

Plasterboard, wood, and other permeable materials are the most likely types of walls where this can be an issue. If your home has these types of walls then there is a big chance that there will be an air gap somewhere that will reduce the energy efficiency of the windows and house as a whole. Soffits and fascias, lofts, and airy spaces are other areas that can benefit from insulation.

Apply a UV Film to Sun-Facing Windows

One of the lesser-known benefits of energy-efficient windows is that the extra layers provide a better level of protection against ultraviolet light. However, windows facing the sun, notably roof windows or those in loft conversions, can receive significant amounts of strong sunshine, which can then damage carpets, furniture, fabric wallpaper, and even your hanging pictures indoors.

Using a simple UV film (some windows have these built-in) helps to reduce UV exposure inside while maintaining the level of natural light. Domed or pyramid skylights can refract the sunlight too, creating a much more intense focal point for the UV rays, so these will greatly benefit from a UV film. Loft windows can include integral blinds with a reflective outer surface to help this.

Use Heavy-Duty Curtains

With a heavy-duty curtain you can more easily retain heat inside, as well as keep out heat from the sun in warmer weather, so these are a good addition if your interior decor allows for them. Most people have some form of shade or curtains in areas such as bedrooms, so it is a good idea to make sure that you keep these heavy-duty to maximise your window’s performance.

Fabrics that will lead to better results from your windows include velvet and denim, which have a very tight weave and will not let in much air should your windows struggle to retain a lot of heat. A good tip is to let the temperature change gradually by leaving the curtains drawn for a while in the morning, which will also help to reduce the chances of condensation developing. 

Don’t Forget About Doors

Doors are probably the most inefficient parts of a home, particularly if you have old timber doors. There is no need to replace all of your external doors, but be aware that they could easily contribute to the poor thermal efficiency of your home. As a result, draughty doors can reduce the benefits of energy-efficient windows.
You can use draught excluders, letterboxes with springs and airtight seals and add rubber thermal breaks to the lining of the door to reduce heat exchange and block airflow from the outside. If you can, the best method is to use specialised uPVC or aluminium energy-efficient doors, which may or may not include additional glazing, to guarantee that there are no leaks.